Niagara IDA to consider aid to Praxair expansion, two motels

NIAGARA FALLS – Applications for tax breaks for an expansion of the Praxair plant in Niagara Falls and for two new motel projects are to be presented to Niagara County Industrial Development Agency board members at their meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the agency offices, 6311 Inducon Corporative Drive, Wheatfield.

Praxair proposes to invest more than $12 million in its Royal Avenue plant by installing a hydrogen-producing steam methane reformer. Praxair, the largest supplier of liquid hydrogen in the U.S., would add eight jobs to its current 89 in the Falls.

Niagara Lodging will seek a tax abatement for its $4.5 million plan to tear down the former Sunrise Inn, 6335 Niagara Falls Blvd., and erect a new LaQuinta Inn. A few blocks away, Niagara Falls Hospitality is looking for a tax break to help it tear down the former Captain’s Cove restaurant at 7726 Niagara Falls Blvd. to erect a Microtel on the site. That’s a nearly $3 million project.

The LaQuinta Inn would create the equivalent of 12 full-time jobs, while there would be 11 full-time equivalents at the Microtel.